Russell Tyler Ricks was born on July 10, 1980 in Rexburg, Idaho to Robert Reed and Nadine Nielson Ricks. He was the youngest of 9 children. He grew up in Monteview. He attended West Jefferson High School where he graduated in 1998. From 1999-2001, Tyler served in the Brazil Rio De Janeiro Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Shortly after he returned home his mother passed away from cancer.

Tyler then lived and worked in Arizona, California, Washington D.C., and New York. On October 15, 2005, Tyler married Jane Van Orman from Medicine Hat, Canada in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. The later divorced, but remained good friends.

Tyler attended ISU and BYU-Idaho. He was an Eagle Scout. For two summers, he interned in Senator Craig's office in Boise and later in the senator's Idaho Falls office.

Tyler was engaged to be married to Caryn Meyer of Idaho Falls.

Tyler was a sweet, kind, intelligent son, brother, and friend. He had a great sense of humor. He was much beloved by his family and friends.

On February 7, 2010 Tyler died at the home of his parents in Monteview, Idaho.

He is survived by his father and brothers and sisters: Wade (Ann), Bonnie (David Lind), Becki (Alan Black), Wendy (Steve Worthen), Dustin (Rochelle), Will (Angie), Jennifer, and Liane (Jason Fuger).

He is preceded in death by his mother- Nadine Nielson Ricks, a nephew - Boone Carson Black, and his grandparents.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at the Monteview LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, then again from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the West Jefferson Memorial Park Cemetery.